Sakeena Itoo visits Tangmarg; inaugurates Dialysis Centre at SDH Tangmarg, lays foundation stone for 20-bedded ward, new PHC

• Says all rural tourism hotspots to be developed into viable tourist destinations

TANGMARG (BARAMULLA): Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today visited Tangmarg area of Gulmarg Constituency, wherein she inaugurated Dialysis Centre at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Tangmarg and laid foundation stone for 20-bedded pre-fabricated ward and a new Primary Health Centre (PHC) block.

MLA, Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah; Director Tourism Kashmir, Director School Education Kashmir, Director Health Services Kashmir, Director Coordination New GMCs, Director Colleges, Director Social Welfare Kashmir, MD J&K Cable Car Corporation, district and sectoral officers of various departments accompanied the Minister during the visit.

While visiting SDH Tangmarg, Sakeena Itoo inaugurated a state-of-the-art Dialysis Centre. Interacting with the doctors and other medical staff on the occasion, the Minister highlighted that this facility will provide critical support to patients suffering from renal ailments by ensuring access to life-saving dialysis treatment within their area.

While interacting with some locals on the occasion, Sakeena Itoo highlighted the commitment of Omar Abdullah led government towards improving healthcare delivery in rural and semi-urban areas. “Access to quality healthcare is basic right of public. Our Government will ensure that the people of Tangmarg and surrounding areas receive timely and effective medical care”, she stated.

During her interaction, the Minister elaborated healthcare and education as top priorities of the government. She stated that these sectors form the backbone of a strong society and Government is making concerted efforts to improve infrastructure and service delivery across Jammu and Kashmir. She also mentioned that sustained investments are being made to upgrade hospitals, enhance educational institutions and ensure equitable access to quality services in both rural and urban areas

The Minister further said that establishment of Dialysis Center at SDH Tangmarg aligns with the government’s commitment of decentralizing specialized healthcare facilities in peripheral areas. During her visit, Sakeena Itoo also laid foundation stone for two key healthcare projects; 20-bedded pre-fabricated ward and new Primary Health Centre (PHC) block.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that this 20 bedded ward after completion will certainly expand inpatient capacity and improve service delivery at the hospital. She added that it will considerably enhance patient care facilities and decongest the existing hospital infrastructure, which was long-standing demand of the local population.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment of improving health care infrastructure in peripheral areas, Sakeena said with the establishment of upgraded infrastructure, dependency of locals of these areas will significantly reduce on tertiary care hospitals for specialized treatments.

Later, the Minister visited Baderkoot, Ringawari and Gogaldara areas of Tangmarg where a local tourism festival was organized. She appreciated the local initiative in showcasing the region’s beauty and reaffirmed that all rural tourism hotspot areas of J&K will be developed into viable tourist destinations. She laid emphasis on promoting tourism not only as a recreational avenue but also as a source of livelihood for the local population.

Meanwhile, Sakeena Itoo also held a brief review of all ongoing developmental works. She instructed the concerned departments to expedite the pace of works for timely completion of these works. She asked them to maintain synergy for smooth execution of works while maintaining quality and standards.